by Gay N. Lewis
Beth waved her hand in dismissal. “You minister to people and constantly give of your time, talents, and gifts…a lot of people do. I’m not the only one.”
Glancing at Beth, he grinned. “True, but we have a lot in common. We’re about the same age, and we lost our spouses a few years ago. When I decided my period of loneliness needed to end, you came to mind, and I’ve been thinking a lot about you for the past several months. Haven’t you noticed that I single you out at church? I’ve also called you several times and dropped by your house. Evidently you didn’t receive my signals of interest.”
“No, I merely thought you had church business on your mind. Are you certain you should turn your thoughts to such things? You might need more time since your wife’s death.”
“Beth, we aren’t youngsters anymore. We’re experienced with life and know what to expect. We also have an idea of what we want in a marriage. I’ve come to know you and love what I see in you. There is no doubt in my mind that you’d make the perfect pastor’s wife. To top it all off, I’m now hooked on you.”
Beth’s mouth fell open.
Sarah toppled backward off the car.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
So much for that choice of an anchor. The thing didn’t help at all when that surprise announcement knocked her off the car’s roof. Sarah picked herself up from the pavement as vehicles whizzed through her. Wouldn’t those drivers be astonished if they knew they’d just dashed through an angel? No matter. Now she needed to get back to Bruce’s sedan.
Positioning herself back into place with a heavier anchor, Sarah regulated her hearing to the interior once more.
“Bruce, this conversation makes me uncomfortable.”
“I’m sorry. I just felt I should be candid with you. One thing you need to know about me is that I don’t hesitate to go after what I want, and I want you. On my first date with Evelyn, I told her I planned to marry her. She scoffed at me, but six months later, we married. For the first year after she died, I had no desire for female companionship, but time has a way of healing that enormous pain. I’m ready for changes. Loneliness can be as devastating as any loss. My three boys and grandchildren ease some of it, but it’s not the same thing.
“Now, let’s change the subject. I want us to enjoy our evening, not for you to feel awkward. Did I tell you how pretty you look? With your hair, black looks good on you.”
“Thank you.” Taking the palm of her hand, Beth brushed across the jacket. “I chose something old and comfortable.”
“Good choice. Deciding on clothes seems more of a problem for women than us guys. Take Adam for example. After he bit into the apple, he felt shame. No problem. He covered himself with the first fig leaf he saw. With Eve, it was a different hullabaloo. She selected several fig leafs for her attire but wasn’t satisfied. She searched through the garden and then tried on maple foliage, a sycamore sprig, and an oak spray. She modeled each new leaf selection and asked Adam, ‘Does this one make me look fat?”
Beth laughed. “Yes, that sounds about right.”
“That’s an old joke, but it goes to show us the difference between men and women.” He grinned at Beth. “And I prefer the difference.”
“Since God made Adam and Eve perfect to begin with, I doubt weight was her problem.”
“True, but she and Adam ate too much. Just think of what might have happened if they hadn’t eaten the forbidden fruit.”
Beth nodded. “If it hadn’t been them, it would have been one of us somewhere down the line. I suppose at times we all eat too much or nibble on the wrong things.”
“That reminds me of another story. After Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, Adam happened to be out walking with his sons one day. They passed by the ruins of the garden, and one of the boys asked, ‘What’s that dad?’ Adam replied, ‘Boys, that’s where your mother ate us out of house and home.’”
Beth covered a huge smile with her hand and shook her head. “Where do you come up with these awful jokes, anyway?”
“As a speaker, I often use humor. I look for material on the Internet and in books. I don’t have original stuff, so I keep a file for different subjects.”
“I think you need new material.”
Sarah nodded her agreement. This guy obviously tried to appeal to Beth with those ridiculous jokes, and thankfully, his charm glimmered through the overworked stuff. She seemed to be responding to it.
Bruce chuckled. “I think so too. Finding clean jokes can be a problem.”
“The story you told at the wedding about the preacher’s wife in the red dress was funny.”
“That was a true story. The most humorous tales I come up with are factual events. We mortals are often a comical lot.”
From the roof, Sarah nodded again. Hard to understand a mortal’s thoughts and actions, but some definitely entertained others with their weird behavior. She slapped her forehead. Guess that went for certain angels too.
As they drove over the causeway, Sarah tightly gripped her anchor and held on with all her might. With her eyes closed, while sitting atop a car, the whitecaps couldn’t turn her stomach as easily as when she had flown above them.
The restaurant Bruce chose faced the Gulf of Mexico. Ships could be seen in the distance. Once they were seated at the window, Sarah floated nearby. The fragrance of garlic and yeast rolls filled the air, and Sarah’s mouth watered. When a server brought by a tray with a plate of a full-sized fish—head, tail and all—her hunger vanished. Did that thing wink at her? She shook her head. Her strong imagination would be her downfall.
“It’s really charming and a bit romantic here.” Beth kept her gaze on the water.
“Yes, I chose the restaurant for the romantic appeal. I’m hoping the setting will cause you to think new thoughts about us. Is it working?”
Beth turned her eyes back to Bruce and nodded. “I’m relaxed and I confess that all this has a charismatic effect.”
“Perfect.” He grinned and held her gaze. “This city is once more reclaiming romantic ambience, and for that reason, I’d like to bring you here more often.” When Beth shuffled in her chair and seemed to grow uncomfortable, he cleared his throat but kept his gaze on Beth. “The Lady of the Gulf has mended nicely since Hurricane Ike in September 2008, but recovery has taken a long time. Many houses were destroyed and the financial disasters are still felt. Galveston was uninhabitable for a long time. But storms can’t keep the old girl down.”
Beth leaned toward him and appeared relieved the conversation turned to a neutral subject. “I remember that storm well. As far inland as we are, some trees in our yard uprooted, and we went without power for days.”
Bruce nodded. “Our church provided help to as many refugees as we could. We didn’t turn anyone away. If you’d like, we’ll take a tour of the fallen trees that have been shaped into objects of art.”
“That sounds lovely. Do you think it will be light enough? Darkness comes early these winter months.”
“If it’s too dark, perhaps we can return during the day. Would you like that?”
“Yes, I would.”
“Good. After the art tour, we can hold hands and stroll on the beach. We’ll do all the things tourists do.” He gestured with his hand. “See that pier over there?”
Beth nodded.
“We’ll walk out there and I’ll hold you close to keep you warm.” He grinned. “I might even steal a kiss or two.”
Beth’s jaw dropped but she said nothing. When the astonished look vanished, a soft glow took its place.
Merciful heavens! This guy could articulate volumes with words, meaningful glances, and gestures. When Beth grew uneasy with romantic talk, he politely changed the subject, but then a few minutes later, he went right back to it. Persistent little devil, this dude. Oops. Guess she shouldn’t refer to him with that nomenclature.
Beth’s heart must be picking up speed. What woman could resist this man? She doubted Beth could.
Before Beth c
ould respond to Bruce’s suggestion, the server arrived with her grilled fish and Bruce’s steak and shrimp. No one ate hamburgers in this place. Sarah sighed. Could she hold out and not nibble on the bread? Her stomach felt so empty, it hurt. Maybe as a mite-sized, invisible insect, she could chance a crumb. Maybe just enough to tide her over.
As night descended, servers lit the candles. The atmosphere took on a more profound amorous ambience. Judging from Beth’s dewy-eyed expression, this guy continued to make a favorable impression on her charge.
How absurd could this assignment be? Three men in Beth’s life, and only one wasn’t after the fortune. At first, it seemed that Beth found both Bryan and Charles attractive, but time appeared to be changing that somewhat. Her ardor for Bryan grew thin, and she’d asserted to Gary that she wanted to keep Charles at bay. But this new guy? He might be the one. Of course, some preachers were known charlatans, so better check him out too.
Sarah lifted her eyes to heaven. Is he the upright one with his integrity intact? No rumble occurred from The Heavenlies. Was that a good sign? Sarah sighed. Even though the mission needed her unrelenting effort, she felt somewhat at peace about Bruce and hoped he might be the real deal. It remained possible, though, that this guy’s position and actions could lull her into a calm she shouldn’t accept. Beth’s future depended on her finding out the truth.
“When did you decide to become a minister?” Beth sipped her after-dinner coffee concoction.
“I was eight years old when I felt God call me into the ministry.” Wrinkling his forehead, he chuckled. “Do you realize that’s most of my life?” He shook his head.
“It sounds as though you’ve always known what you wanted to do, and you did it. It takes many people years to decide, and others work at numerous careers before retirement age.”
“This is the one and only vocation I’ve ever had or wanted…if you don’t count mowing yards as a teen. I even served as a youth director in high school, college, and seminary. I’d like to take a sabbatical in about fifteen years and travel a bit. Have you done much of it?”
“Yes, Grant and I took many trips abroad before he became ill.” Her eyes drifted from his to the window. Her own reflection stared back at her, and she turned once more to Bruce. “How long were you and Evelyn married?”
“Almost thirty-two years. When I met Evelyn, we were students, but I knew we were a match as soon as I laid eyes on her. We were engaged while I attended seminary, and we married shortly afterward. My only regret is that I didn’t give her more time while I had the chance.”
Lifting his brows, he gave Beth a flirtatious wink. “I’ve vowed to myself and the Lord that I will do better if He gives me a second opportunity.”
Beth bit her lower lip. Evidently, Bruce’s suggestive remark melted a few of the reservations she might harbor.
“Beth, I believe you and I can have something special, and I also trust that our God is bringing us together. I want happiness through marriage once more, and I will do everything possible this time to keep a relationship with my wife lively.” A look of sadness crossed his face. “I preach about the importance of marriage, but I was busy building a ministry while Evelyn lived. I didn’t take my wife to some of the countries she had her heart set on. She always wanted to go to Ireland. I regret that and will not make the same mistakes again. I promise you that—here and now.”
“I didn’t know Evelyn well, but I was fond of her.”
“I liked Grant too.” He reached across the table for Beth’s hand. “I know those two dear people would bless our relationship.”
Beth smiled and her eyes grew teary. “They probably would.” She glanced at their clasped hands. “This friendship is developing kind of fast. I haven’t held hands with anyone other than Grant in years.”
While holding her hand, he caressed it with his other one. “I want us to be exclusive to each other, and I’d like to start right now.”
“Bruce, my position in business requires many decisions. Some I must make instantly, but with others, I take my time for prayer and consideration. When it comes to bonding with a man, I move slowly. It took Grant a year to ask me for a commitment.” She sighed. “You seem to move much faster than I do. That’s not a bad thing, just a little different from my experience.”
Beth glanced above Bruce’s head where Sarah floated. Sarah gazed at her with compassion, but of course, Beth couldn’t see her. Go slow. Go slow. Find out more about the man. Sarah mouthed her words.
“Am I the first woman you’ve been out with since Evelyn died?”
Merciful heavens! Did her mental suggestion reach her charge? Probably not, but the lady seemed to be going in the right direction.
Bruce nodded. “I don’t need to see other women. I’ve made my choice.” The look he gave Beth probably melted snow way up in the Rockies on a subzero January day.
“I’ll be honest with you. I’ve never considered you as a special male friend until we sat together at the wedding.” Her grin appeared a bit bashful. “And you successfully have me considering it at this moment.” Glancing away and then back at him, she sighed. “Just recently, I felt the need for companionship, and I’ve gone out a couple of times with two different men, but I’m not ready to commit to a relationship.”
“Are you serious about either of the men?” Bruce’s expression turned unreadable.
Beth shook her head. “No. One works for me and the other wants to list my house to sell.” She shrugged. “And maybe he wants a little more from me.”
“What man wouldn’t? I also desire an extra portion of your affection. You are beautiful, intelligent, and talented.”
Sarah scrunched her nose as if the aroma in the restaurant suddenly grew stale. The preacher spoke truth, but he left out the wealthy part. Many earthlings put that commodity first when they considered friendship with another. Was this clown one of them?
Bruce’s eyes searched Beth’s as though he could see into her heart. “How do you feel about the man who wants more from you?”
Beth shrugged but didn’t withdraw her hand from Bruce’s powerful one. “I’m never sure if a man, or woman for that matter, wants my friendship because they like me or because they like my bank account.”
“Let me assure you I’m not interested in your financial holdings. I’m not in your monetary caliber, but I’ve moderately comfortable for a minister.”
“I believe you.”
Sarah wished she did.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
When the couple and their unseen angel returned from Galveston, Sarah had flown to Beth’s roof, deciding the spot an ideal one to watch the couple say goodnight. Nothing troublesome happened at the porch light, and she had felt relieved. At least the guy turned out to be a gentleman when he had said his goodbyes. No attempted kiss, but he had given her charge many compliments, held her hand on the return trip, and made a date for later in the week.
After calling forth her blue security blanket, Sarah made a bed and dozed into slumber next to a dormer window on Beth’s roof. No clouds happened to be handy in the skies, and she’d been too tired to call one out.
The rumble of a car awakened her. She stretched and gauged the location of the sun. What could Bryan be doing here at this hour? Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she sat up and scrutinized the guy.
Maria answered the door. “Buenos dias, Señor Wingate. Señora Beth expect you?”
“No, Maria. I just thought I’d surprise her.”
“Come in.”
Wingate followed Maria into the living room. “Wait here. I tell Señora Beth you came.”
Bryan walked about the room and examined various objects while he waited. At the nativity scene on the mantle, he picked up baby Jesus and twisted his face into a grimace. “Such a bunch of nonsense. Can’t stand this religious hocus-pocus. When I marry her, this stuff goes into the garbage,” he muttered, but Sarah heard.
So that’s what he thought of the incarnation. One day he would learn the truth
of his colossal mistake.
He put the figurine back in place as Beth approached.
“Hello, Bryan. I wasn’t expecting you today. Do you want coffee?”
Bryan turned from the mantle, a plastered, sweet expression on his face—one designed to hoodwink Beth.
Charlatan. Faker. Con-artist. Weirdo. Monumental jerk. Sarah scowled.
A rumble from The Heavenlies descended to her ears. Okay, okay, so name-calling wasn’t an angelic thing to do. She glanced toward the firmaments. Have you taken a good look at this guy? Another rumble. Reveal his nature? Well, merciful heavens! Wasn’t she working hard, trying to do just that? Another rumble. Sarah glanced upward and mouthed, Sorry. Guess the Superiors didn’t care for that last retort.
Now there was no doubt. Bryan Wingate planned to harm Beth. If Sarah failed in her mission, Tomas would be called in as a backup. As a warrior angel, he could protect Beth, but she hoped to keep that from happening.
“I’d love coffee. Thank you. Do you want to serve it in the kitchen?”
“No, Maria will bring it in here. Please be seated. What brings you out so early?”
Bryan frowned. He must also discern Beth’s somewhat-frosty attitude. He lowered himself to the sofa, and Beth chose a wingback chair out of her guest’s proximity.
“I miss you. You haven’t returned my phone calls, and I was concerned. Are you angry with me about something?”
“No, I’m not angry, just busy. Christmas plans occupy me these days.”
“Are you sure that’s all there is to it?”
Beth sighed. “Yes, that’s part of it, but to be honest, I’m having second thoughts about this dating business.”
“I was afraid it was something like that. What can I do to change your mind?”
Beth’s lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Nothing.”
Bryan paused, evidently waiting to see if Beth would continue. She didn’t.
